Unstressed Life

Anxiety

Dealing with a New Normal Because of the Coronavirus

It seems surreal but our lives changed overnight thanks to the coronavirus. In a matter of days a national state of emergency was declared, the NBA cancelled the remainder of the season, the NCAA basketball tournament was cancelled, and celebrities like actor Tom Hanks announced that he and his wife had contracted the virus. The coronavirus is impacting our daily lives in ways we couldn’t imagine just a month ago and this is just the beginning. People are getting sick and some are dying, the global financial markets are in free fall, schools are closing across the country, and people are working from home. We are isolating ourselves with “social distancing”. It’s just a matter of time before companies start having layoffs. In other words COVID-19 is no joke. However a weird and unexpected thing has happened to me during this crisis. I feel less anxiety and depression than I…

inspiring quotes

Peace Through Perserverence

No one has to tell you that life can be hard sometimes. The stock market is down, the coronavirus appears to be a potential global pandemic and uncertainty abounds. But we must press ahead! I was in church a few weeks ago and this bible verse really struck a chord with me so I thought I would share it. 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 New Living Translation (NLT) 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be…

Anxiety

My Lexapro Journey Begins

Well I finally went to a psychiatrist after dealing with anxiety for years. It has gotten so bad after I started my new job that I decided to seek professional help. During my appointment I was diagnosed with mild depression and general anxiety disorder more commonly known as GAD. The GAD diagnosis didn’t surprise me but the mild depression diagnosis definitely did. The doctor prescribed 10mg of Lexapro. I read some real horror stories online so I was afraid to take it but after talking with my wife I decided to take the plunge. I need to get better and if this drug can help I owe it to myself and my family. First Week So far I’m on day 3 and I feel a little nauseous at times but so far so good. Maybe also a bit more tired but nothing I can’t fight through. Tomorrow will be my…

Anxiety

When You Just Want to Stop Worrying

Anxiety sucks. I’m exhausted from constantly worrying and I know its had a negative impact on my social and work life. As we head into the new year I’ve decided that enough is enough. I want to be happy again. I also can’t imagine going on like this for the rest of my life. So I’ve finally decided to talk with a mental health professional. I really hope they can help me and at this point I am willing to try anything. When I look at my life on the surface I should be happy. I have a great wife and two happy and healthy kids. We’ve also done well financially and have no debt and a nest egg saved up for a rainy day. But unfortunately I’m anything but happy. Even though I recently got a new job I already hate it and my stress had skyrocketed. I’m starting…

Anxiety

Job Anxiety and How to Deal With It

Stress and anxiety at work is normal but if your not careful it can quickly get out of hand especially if you are prone to anxiety like me. You could be worrying about an upcoming presentation or a big meeting or project with a deadline looming over you. You may be stressed out thinking that you are about to get fired. You may be dealing with a difficult boss or trying to navigate office politics. If you’re not careful this can quickly get out of control and you will be in a constant state of anxiety which is awful. I’ve been there so I know this feeling first hand. Here are some tips to help you deal with work anxiety. Remember it’s just a job At the end of the day it’s important to remember it’s just a job. If you screw up the world is not going to end. …

Anxiety

Seeking Peace – Trying Antidepressants

After years of struggling with anxiety I’ve finally decided to seek professional help. I’m planning to talk with a psychiatrist and get a prescription for an antidepressant. My wife is asking me to do it and I’ve finally decided that I want to be happy and truly at peace. Not sure if this will help but at this point I figure it is worth a shot. I am in a constant state of anxiety that is only getting worse. It doesn’t matter how much money I make or have or what I try to do. The anxiety is always there. So I’ll be making an appointment soon. I don’t care about the stigma that surrounds seeking help for mental health. Being at peace would be so great! I don’t even remember what it was like to not have an ever present feeling of dread and anxiety. Guess I really haven’t…

Anxiety

Reminding Yourself to Be Thankful

This time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. For the last decade or so I’ve worked in retail so this is always the busiest time of the year for me. I’m usually just glad and relieved to survive another crazy holiday season on the job. Heck, I’ve only had one Thanksgiving with my family in the last 10 years. That was the year my daughter was born so my wife didn’t go out of town to visit with her parents. But it’s good to sometime pause and just be thankful for what you have in your life. As cliche as it sounds you really should do this. My new job isn’t going well and I’m not sure if I will quit soon or get fired but I’ve taken some time to reflect on all I have to be thankful for…

Anxiety

Go On a Nature Walk to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Taking a walk outside and experiencing the great outdoors can be a great way to help relieve stress and anxiety. When I’ve been stressed and feeling anxious, sometimes going to the lake and walking around with my family and crazy kids is just what I need to melt away the worry and anxiety. Just walking around in the tranquil environment helps improve my overall mood and stops my negative thoughts. Also spending time with my family is nice and helps us connect after a hectic week that keeps us apart for extended periods of time most days. Feeling the sun on my skin and breathing the fresh air really helps put everything in perspective. It’s also a nice bonus when you get to see some interesting wild life. On our latest walk we saw 2 two egrets which are beautiful birds. There is just something about hearing the wind…

Healthy Eating

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Anxiety?

Given all the hype surrounding all the benefits of apple cider vinegar I decided to give it a try. From everything I read people were claiming that ACV helped with digestion, weight loss, lower blood sugar and helps boost the immune system. So about a year ago I started mixing about 2 tablespoons of organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar with mother in a glass of water every morning to see what would happen. To my surprise here are some of the benefits I experienced. ACV Curbed My Appetite After drinking the vinegar in the morning I feel full and normally skip breakfast without getting hungry until around lunch time. If you are doing intermittent fasting this can be a huge help. So if you are trying to drop a few pounds this might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. I Felt Less Stress I normally have bad anxiety…

Motivation

Life’s an Adventure!

Last month I finally pulled the trigger and quit a job I hated that was slowly killing me. I’d been there over 9 years and it was time for me to leave. I’d worked my way up over the years to a Vice President position but the drama, office politics, constant pressure, and toxic environment had finally taken its toll and I couldn’t do it anymore. As crazy as it sounds it was still hard for me to leave because I knew I would miss my team and colleagues who I had worked with for the past several years. I left for another job for more money and more responsibility at the Senior Vice President level. It’s been weird so far being the new kid on the block. Who knows if this gig will work out but I figure its worth a shot. The jury is still out on my…

My Lexapro Journey Begins

When You Just Want to Stop Worrying

Worried About Getting Your Physical Exam? Go Anyway!

Hate Your Job? Here’s How You Can Survive

Dealing with a New Normal Because of the Coronavirus

Peace Through Perserverence

My Lexapro Journey Begins

When You Just Want to Stop Worrying

Job Anxiety and How to Deal With It

Seeking Peace – Trying Antidepressants

Reminding Yourself to Be Thankful

Go On a Nature Walk to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Anxiety?

Life’s an Adventure!